A Texas jury recently found that a trucking company is liable for an accident and must pay $101 million to the injured driver. The lawsuit stemmed from an accident that occurred in Texas. According to reports, a truck driver, an employee of FTS International Services, LLC, rear-ended a passenger vehicle driven by Joshua Patterson. Patterson sued the trucking company, a Fort Worth-based oil and gas shipping company, for the actions of its driver. The truck driver was driving an 18-wheeler. This case, in which the Texas jury found the trucking company liable for $101 million in damages from the truck accident, is significant.
According to court documents, the truck driver was tested after the accident and was found to be under the influence of marijuana and methamphetamines at the time of the crash. Patterson’s attorney argued that the trucking company (FTS) and the driver were negligent. FTS was reportedly negligent because it did not follow proper hiring and employment practices protocols. Thus, the Texas jury finds that the trucking company must pay $101 million in damages for the truck accident resulting from these negligent practices.
In this case, the jury found that the truck driver was 70% liable for the accident, and FTS was 30% liable. The jury awarded Patterson $75 million from FTS and $50,000 from the truck driver.
Truck Accident Lawsuits in Texas
As with any accident, those injured in a truck accident may file a lawsuit against the negligent party. This case illustrates that negligence can be attributed to more than one party. For example, the driver was negligent because he got behind the wheel while impaired. The trucking company was negligent because it failed to ensure that its driver was not impaired. Negligent entrustment cases can be difficult in Texas. It is recommended that you get the best 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
Truck accident claims can be complicated. The first step is to meet with an experienced Houston truck accident attorney. Your lawyer will evaluate the case and determine the best way to proceed. The negligent party should be held responsible for payment of all medical costs and other damages caused by the crash. Determining negligence is not always easy.
Sometimes, as in this case, the driver was negligent. However, sometimes, a crash investigation and recreation must be done to determine the factors that caused the crash. You may be entitled to money for your doctor’s bills, medications, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Many lawsuits are settled through negotiations and do not end up in court. Sometimes, as in this instance, where a Texas jury finds that a trucking company must pay $101 million for a truck accident, the court must decide the case.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have obtained multi-million dollar results after a trucking accident injury or death for over forty years.
Read More: Negligent Hiring of Truck Drivers
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be particularly dangerous and frightening, and they can also result in severe injuries. Always contact the police to report the accident. The police will investigate the accident, take statements from witnesses, and try to determine the cause of the crash. Sometimes, a crash investigation and reconstruction are necessary to determine exactly what happened.
Hiring the best attorney for your case is crucial, especially if the commercial vehicle involved is an 18-wheeler or if the accident involves a delivery truck.
Seek medical attention and keep copies of all your medical records and bills. Consult with an attorney before accepting an offer from the insurance company, since covering your damages may not be reasonable.
Read More: Can I Sue for Being Hit By a Semi Truck
Get Help from the Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm
If you were seriously hurt in an 18-wheeler crash, contact a Houston truck accident attorney with over 35 years of experience at Baumgartner Law Firm for a free case consultation today. (281) 587-1111.
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Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111
Don’t settle for an average truck accident settlement. Call Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111.
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Law360 https://www.law360.com/articles/1066002/fts-international-must-pay-101m-for-texas-truck-accident
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